Muskuloskeletal and Respiratory Unit: Pain and Psychiatric Medications

Flashcards covering pain classification, analgesic drugs, psychiatric medications (SSRIs, MAOIs, Lithium, Antipsychotics), anticonvulsants, sedative-hypnotics, and treatments for Parkinson's and Alzheimer's disease.

Nociceptive pain

Dull/aching pain that is felt constantly.

Somatic pain

Pain originating from skin, bones, or muscles; examples include Arthritis and muscle sprain.

Visceral pain

Abdominal or thoracic pain.

Neuropathic pain

Stabbing or burning pain.

Idiopathic pain

Pain of unknown origin, such as Phantom limb pain.

Analgesics

A drug class used to relieve pain.

Goal of pain management

To give the lowest amount of meds to get a therapeutic affect.

Opioid Agonists

Used for severe acute pain or unrelieved moderate pain.

Opioid partial Agonist

Used for acute pain.

Opioid Antagonist

Used to reverse effects; an example is Narcan.

Salicylates

The 1st analgesic ever made, such as Aspirin.

NSAIDs

Used for mild acute pain; these stop pain messages from being sent.

Substance P antagonists

Drugs such as capsaicin that block injury chemicals.

PCA Safety Mechanism

Programmed to give a set amount and then locks for a period; includes Cap, Bolus, and lock-down mechanism.

Azaspirone

A non-sedating drug, specifically buspirone, used for anxiety.

SSRI'S

The 1st line for anxiety & depression with a risk of Serotonin syndrome.

MAOIs

Antidepressants that require a tyramine-restricted diet due to the risk of hypertensive crisis.

Lithium

A mood stabilizer used to treat bipolar disorder (mania prevention).

Lithium toxicity Signs

Vomiting, diarrhea, tremors, lethargy, and Nephrotoxicity.

Extrapyramidal Symptoms (EPS)

Side effects of antipsychotics including Dystonia, Pseudoparkinsonism, Akathisia, and Tardive dyskinesia.

Clozapine

An antipsychotic with a risk of agranulocytosis; requires monitoring of WBC.

Broad spectrum Anticonvulsants

Includes Levetiracetam, valproic acid, and lamotrigine.

Narrow spectrum Anticonvulsants

Includes Phenytoin, Carbamazepine, and gabapentin.

Hydantoins (Phenytoin) Side Effects

Gingival hyperplasia, Blood dyscrasias, and Hepatotoxicity.

Sedative

A substance that calms and relaxes.

Hypnotic

A substance that induces sleep.

REM rebound

An adverse effect of sedative-hypnotics involving vivid dreams and restlessness.

GABA-A Receptor Alpha-1

Associated with sleep.

GABA-A Receptor Alpha-2

Associated with anxiety relief and muscle relaxation.

Flumazenil

The antidote for Benzodiazepines; carries a risk of seizures in dependent pt's.

Parkinson's Disease Cause

Degeneration of substantia nigra neurons causing an imbalance of Dopamine and Acetylcholine.

Carbidopa/Levodopa (DOC)

The drug of choice for Parkinson's which restores dopamine neurons.

MAO-B inhibitors

Parkinson's medications such as selegiline and rasagiline.

COMT Inhibitors

Parkinson's medications such as entacapone.

Anticholinergics (Parkinson's)

Used to reduce tremors and drooling.

Acetylcholinesterase Inhibitors

Drug class including donepezil and rivastigmine used to improve cognition and slow decline in Alzheimer's.

NMDA Inhibitors

Drug class including memantine used for Alzheimer's Disease management.